Coping with Heart Failure

It's normal to feel sad or down at times when you're living with heart failure. Some medicines can also affect your mood. Following your treatment plan may seem difficult at times. If you feel overwhelmed, just focus on one day at a time. Don't be afraid to ask others for help when you need it.

Try not to withdraw from family and friends, even if you're finding it hard to talk to them. They can still be a good source of support. To feel better, you can also:

• Spend time doing things you enjoy. This may include taking part in a favorite hobby, meditating, praying, or spending time with people you care about. Find activities that make you happy. And make those a priority.
• Share what you learn about heart failure with the people in your life. Invite family members along when you visit your doctor. This will help you feel supported. And it will help you discuss the care plan you've agreed on with your doctor.
• Think about joining a support group for people with heart failure. It may be easier to talk to people who know firsthand what you're going through. They can offer advice and share stories. You may want to ask loved ones to join you for a meeting.

Having heart failure doesn't mean that you have to feel bad all the time. Talk to your doctor or a therapist if:

• You feel worthless or helpless. These are warning signs of depression. Treatment can help you feel better. When depression is under control, your overall health may also improve.
• You feel anxious about what will happen to your loved ones if your health gets worse. Taking care of legal arrangements, such as a living will and durable power of attorney, can help you feel more secure about the future.
• You feel stressed or alone. Social support helps reduce stress and helps you stick with your healthy lifestyle changes. Without social support, you may end up back in the hospital.
• You are having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. If you are in a crisis or have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 right away. This is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You will be connected to a trained counselor you can talk to. There's also an online chat option. You can also call Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). The 988 Lifeline is free and available 24/7.